Education & Leadership: Youth Civic Engagement
Youth & Government
Youth and Government (Y.A.G) is a statewide club with a local delegation here at the Mon Valley YMCA. It teaches civics and government through first-hand non-school experiences. Y.A.G.’s main belief is that “Democracy must be learned by each generation.”
Every April, approximately 700 students from across the state attend a conference in Harrisburg, where they emulate the actual state legislators, justices, governors and press corps in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. We are looking for new members who want to join us!
Throughout the year, students write bills and practice debate for the Model convention in Harrisburg. Youth and Government provides students with an opportunity for self-discovery by allowing them to serve as student leaders, improve speaking skills and develop lifelong friends from across Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the State YMCA of Pennsylvania, this program allows students to speak up and be heard.
Currently our club has youth in grades 6-12, participating from communities all over the Mid Monongahela Area. Our current elected, Pennsylvania Youth Governor, Tyler Verin, is from our club and is a senior at Belle Vernon Area High School.
Youth and Government, being a National Program, looks great on résumés of students looking to attend college to further their education. We take field trips all over the state including our four day trip to Harrisburg where the kids get to rub elbows with our top politicians and government officials. Y.A.G. is not only for the 4.0 student. It teaches civics, debate, government and speaking as well as social skills in a non-school, hands-on environment.
The Youth and Government program creates strong independent youth who have an understanding of government and will become strong active adult citizens.
Please contact Youth and Government Lead Advisor Adorée De Luca Johnson if you are interested in joining or would like more information.
Visit the interactive state web site: www.ymcapa.org
Girl Power
Girl Power is a self esteem program for girls. The pre-teen & teenage years can be especially difficult for your girls. Self esteem can be affected by everything they see and hear. We’ll explore why girls can be so hard on each other and how to deal with the stress that friends, boyfriends, school and parents can bring. Discuss how proper nutrition and exercise can determine how we look and feel on a daily basis.
In this 6 week program, we’ll also talk about what self image means, learn why having a positive self image is so important and learn ways to love ourselves. Program is geared towards girls ages 10-15.